Giovanni Marangoni of Sermide won individual gold and team silver at the World Bowhunter Championships 2025 in South Africa, Gazzetta di Mantova reported.
The international competition ran inside the Elgro River Lodge reserve and was organised by the International Field Archery Association. The tournament drew 448 archers from around the world, including 24 Italian athletes registered with the Federazione Italiana Arcieri Tiro di Campagna who collected 22 medals across various divisions.
Field archery replicates hunting scenarios across open and wooded terrain. Competitors shoot at three-dimensional animal targets placed at varying and often unknown distances, moving through natural obstacles and changing ground morphology.
Marangoni secured his first-place finish in the Bowhunter Limited Veterans individual category. He added a silver medal in the team event.
Christian Davì of nearby Castelmassa claimed the bronze medal in the Bowhunter Unlimited Juniores division. Both archers compete for the Arcieri della Rupe club based in Sermide.
Historic double podium for Sermide
The results mark a milestone for the Sermide archery group. The club maintains an active presence across the Lower Mantua and Upper Polesine areas through local sports events, fairs, and community gatherings.
Club instructors hold regular training sessions near the Po River embankment in Moglia di Sermide. Certified coaches from the Italian federation lead courses for all age groups.
Italian competitors secure 22 podium finishes at Elgro River Lodge
The Elgro River Lodge reserve presented challenging natural layouts for the 448 participants. Competitors faced rugged terrain and varied elevation profiles typical of elite field archery events.
Italian competitors secured 22 podium finishes overall. The contingent from the national federation represented one of the larger delegations at the tournament grounds.
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